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The height of mosquito season in California runs from May all the way through October, right when transmission rates for West Nile virus start climbing. We still see local cases of this virus, plus occasional reports of Zika and Dengue coming into the state. As temperatures keep rising across the region, areas where mosquitoes thrive are growing bigger too. Both Aedes and Culex species find more places to breed, putting people at greater risk of getting bitten. The health impacts aren't just unpleasant either. Some of these viruses can lead to serious brain issues, dangerous bleeding problems, or even lasting physical impairments. That's why having good quality screens on doors matters so much. When they're properly fitted and kept in shape, screen doors stop more than 99 percent of disease carrying mosquitoes from entering homes. They serve as our best defense against these pests without needing chemicals or active intervention.
Female mosquitoes can smell carbon dioxide from over 100 feet away and will squeeze through holes just 1mm wide, which is roughly the same size as a pencil point. Small cracks, tiny pinpricks, or worn out seals around windows and doors give them easy access to feed on humans. Research indicates that these bugs find and use damaged spots about 80 percent quicker than when there are no gaps at all, particularly around bedrooms where people exhale more CO2 during sleep hours. After getting inside homes, they keep coming back again and again for bites, spreading diseases along the way, yet most standard bug detection systems don't even notice their presence until it's too late.
Over time, dust, pollen, and old cobwebs build up on window screens, slowly making them work worse than they should. What happens? Well, all that junk sitting there can cut down on how much fresh air gets in by around 40% or so, which puts extra pressure on heating and cooling systems especially bad during those long hot summers we get in California. The real problem though is what gets trapped in there. When screens are blocked, they actually collect and hold onto stuff like ragweed pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. Then guess what? Those same particles get blown back inside whenever there's any breeze or movement in the house. A quick clean with some gentle soap and an old toothbrush or something similar makes a world of difference for airflow again. It also gets rid of those sneaky little places where allergens hide out. Kids, older folks, anyone dealing with asthma or seasonal allergies will notice a big improvement after doing this basic maintenance task. No fancy filters needed, no chemicals either just plain old common sense cleaning that supports better breathing conditions at home.
Begin inspections two weeks before May—the start of peak mosquito activity. Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to assess three key failure points:
Document findings and prioritize repairs before temperatures rise and mosquito activity surges.
Proactive care delivers measurable value:
Replace your screen door when mesh damage exceeds 30% of surface area or when frame warping prevents secure re-tensioning. Spline replacement should be part of every annual maintenance cycle—not just after visible failure.
The harsh California climate really puts materials through their paces, especially with intense UV rays, heat buildup, and salty coastal air. Fiberglass mesh stands out as the best option around these parts. It doesn't break down under UV exposure like other materials do, keeps its strength even when temps climb past 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and won't sag or get brittle over time like polyester or nylon tends to. When combined with powder coated aluminum frames that hold up way better against heat distortion than cheap vinyl options, this setup stays strong through all four seasons. For folks living near the coast, going with stainless steel splines and hardware makes sense because regular metal just gets eaten away by saltwater. Looking at mesh options? Aim for something with at least 18x16 strands per square inch. That's tight enough to keep those pesky mosquitoes out but still lets plenty of fresh air circulate, maintaining over 85% airflow. Sure, fiberglass costs about 20% more upfront compared to alternatives, but it lasts 5 years or longer before needing replacement. Industry tests show this cuts down on replacements by roughly two thirds. And let's face it, nobody wants to deal with broken screens during peak mosquito season when everyone's already annoyed enough.
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